I just discovered this and love it, so I have to share:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SM7Hvjqny4&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3]
10 Reasons Why Breastfeeding Doesn’t Suck
Courtesy of The Bump
1. You’ll feel far less crazy (we promise!)
A study of postpartum mamas found that those who breastfed their babies showed far less anxiety and more mutuality at one month postpartum than those who didn’t.
2. It lowers the risk of childhood cancers
One study found the risk of childhood cancer in formula-fed children was 2-8 times that of long-term breastfed children. The risk for short-term formula feeders was 1-9 times that of long-term breast feeders.
3. …And breast cancer in mamas!
Get this: If women who breast fed for less than 3 months were to stick it out for 4 to 12 months, breast cancer among parous premenopausal women could be reduce by 11%. And if they stayed with it for 24 months or longer, those risks could be reduced by nearly 25%.
4. Smart kids rule
Studies show that breastfed babies have significantly higher IQs by 8 years old than babies who didn’t breastfeed — even after adjusting the stats for differences between groups and Mom’s educational and social class.
5. You could save on braces
The longer you breastfeed, the lower the liklihood that baby will suffer from malocclusion — aka a fancy word for misalignment of the teeth and dental arches.
6. It cuts down on childhood obesity
Breastfeeding has long been tied with reducing the rate of childhood obesity, regardless of Mom’s diabetes or weight status.
7. Allergies and ailments are no biggie
Respiratory wheezing, influenza, diarrhea, allergies, and eczema are way less common in breastfed babies — think about all those trips to the doc you won’t have to make!
8. It saves lives — and government money!
If just 90% of US mamas breastfed exclusively for 6 months, not only would an estimated 900 babies live, but the United States would save $13 billion per year. (Yep, $13 BILLION.)
9. Oh, and it’ll save you a ton of cash, too
Believe it or not, formula supplies for just six months can cost upwards of $1,000.
10. You’ll fit into your skinny jeans faster!
Breastfeeding burns an average of 500 calories a day. Yes, really. Need we say more?
—Because it’s that good, I’ll say again that I love this!! I’ve been super busy this week with a lot of things and my visiting family, but promise a real post tomorrow.
Sarah
I found out that about two weeks into nursing, i had a yeast infection (i didn’t know it at the time). moral of the story: It’s not SUPPOSED to hurt! everyone kept telling me that, so i didn’t get it fixed. if it feels like razors are shooting out your nipples…. probably a yeast infection!
Amber
SarahYeah, it’s amazing how long we women will go without asking for help. I think I lasted three weeks (with a ton of pain from a horrible latch which led to really damaged nipples) before I asked for help. I wasn’t really sure if it hurt or if I was just a wimp…but once I got help, it was way better.
Sarah Meyers
AmberI really miss the tribal culture of women sitting around and helping each other.
Amber
Sarah MeyersMe too! When I have my next baby (at home) we’re going to have a giant birthday party. It seems too lonely to not be surrounded by tons of women when giving birth.